39% import from India to Nepal unauthorized

KATHMANDU: About 39 percent of imports from India to Nepal is taking place in an unauthorized way, according to the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of commerce and Industries.

The study carried out by Anti-Corruption Project of the largest federal business body of Nepal said, The unauthorized import from India to Nepal constitute the transaction of around $4.78 billion.

The report stated that the informal import covers 7.12 percent of the total gross domestic product of Nepal.

With is unauthorized trade, the country is losing ranging from $104 million to $137.28 million in revenue. The report stated that, the trade being carried out through the custom points was too higher than that taking place beyond customs offices.

Basically fertilizers, sugar, cotton, garments, hardware, tobacco items, cosmetics and rice are the major goods being smuggled to Nepal from India, the report added.